GINSBERG’S FOODS NAMED LAUNCH PARTNER FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT’S ‘READY, SET, WORK!’ PROGRAM

Hudson, NY – Ginsberg’s Foods, the largest independently owned and operated foodservice distributor in the Hudson Valley, is proud to announce that it’s the first company to partner with the Columbia County Probation Department in its Ready, Set, Work! program. The partnership will allow Ginsberg’s Foods to hire qualified candidates that successfully complete the Columbia County Probation Department’s five-week program.

Ready, Set, Work! is an innovative job-placement program that aims at helping those under probation supervision to develop interview skills, job search strategies, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Upon completion of the program, candidates create a resume and work with the Columbia County Probation Department to seek employment.

The first class graduated from the program in September and members of the class were interviewed by the Ginsberg’s Foods human resources team soon after. After a rigorous interview process, Ginsberg’s Foods hired one of the candidates for an operational position on the Night Warehouse team.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to be the launch partner in the Columbia County Probation Department’s new Ready, Set, Work! program, we jumped at it,” said Suzanne Rajczi, Ginsberg’s Foods Chief Executive Officer. “Ginsberg’s Foods is committed to our community, committed to our people, and always looking for opportunities to develop relationships with forward-thinking organizations.”

“We’re extremely proud to have been selected as the launch partner in Columbia County Probation Department’s Ready, Set, Work! program,” said John Rutkey, Ginsberg’s Foods Vice President of Human Resources. “Ginsberg’s Foods is always seeking qualified candidates to improve our business, and having the opportunity to both find exceptional new talent and help people who are looking for a new start is central to our mission. We look forward to hiring many more people through the Ready, Set, Work! program.”

“It was clear from the onset that in order to fully realize our ambitious Ready, Set, Work! program, we needed a highly respected partner who could give those under probation supervision the opportunity to develop their talents,” said Vince Doto, Columbia County Probation Department Director. “Our first class was an absolute success and paves the way for more opportunities for people looking to rejoin our community and start a new chapter in their lives.”

The Columbia County Probation Department’s Ready, Set, Work! program is managed by Gavin Cipollino, an Offender Workforce Development Specialist. The program spans five weeks and consists of two, two-hour classes per week. The curriculum centers on the job interview process, job retention, and budgeting and spending.

The Columbia County Probation Department plans to hold its next class in November.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will have the opportunity to apply for Ginsberg’s Foods positions. They will face the same rigorous interview and background-check process as candidates who do not participate in the program.

“We’re excited for what the future holds through our partnership with the Columbia County Probation Department,” said Rutkey. “Our first hire has been an extremely successful addition to our operations team and we’re confident the next class will similarly yield impressive and hard-working candidates.”

About Ginsberg’s Foods
Ginsberg’s Foods has grown into the largest independently owned and operated foodservice distributor in the Hudson Valley since its humble beginnings as the local grocery store and butcher shop in Hudson, NY in 1909. Ginsberg’s Foods employs more than 270 people who believe in and share the philosophy of providing superior service with distinguishing standards from national competitors. The Ginsberg’s Foods corporate objective is to provide customers with excellent products and services and act as a partner in their daily operation.